After our trip to Japan in 2025, I was inspired to attempt a Japanese-themed runner for the foot of our king-size bed. The determined size is nine feet long by one and a half feet wide. It would be an ambitious project for sure that would eventually become Monica’s no-surprise Christmas present for 2026.
Monica and I reminisced on our favorite trip memories and narrowed it down to four scenes:
- Hokusai’s “Great Wave off Kanagawa” (we visited his museum in Obuse)
- Itsukushima Shrine Tori Gate (we saw this on Miyajima Island near Hiroshima)
- Geisha (we went to a show in Kyoto)
- Himeji Castle (we stopped in Himeji on our way to Hiroshima)
I drew and colored a small concept sketch, some of which would be changed as the project progressed. To decorate the ends which flop down over the sides of the bed, I added a fan and origami paper cranes in the corners… so symbolic of Japan.
Next, I ordered 3 sq. meters of linen from Good Fibrations in Saint John and purchased wool from various sources. The pattern making on paper was artistic nutrition for me. Then I used a makeshift light table to transpose the pattern onto the linen. I love pattern work… it is the most gratifying phase for me in the entire process.
For interest, I incorporated ten Japanese Kanji (characters that represent words), and positioned them between the major design elements. Here are the ten kanji that I chose:
Then I started hooking wool… for hours at a time, and the days turned into weeks. The rhythmic movement of steel and wool on the fingers was therapeutic. I would often find myself chanting words to old songs or counting loops as I hooked… like a mantra meditation.
It was also a great learning experience. I failed many times… lol … and that was OK. Failure is a doorway to improvement. During moments of frustration, Monica would encourage me to step away and take a break. At other times, if I was stuck on a color choice, she would help me choose. Or, if I was unhappy with something and wanted to rip it out, she supported me to try it again. One of my favorite memories of this piece is of Monica engaging with me on the planning and proceeding.
It took two months to hook the pattern and bind the edge. Then I learned by trial and YouTube how to hem and attach a fabric cover to the backside. This is to protect the wool loops from snagging and pulling out during daily bed making.
In the end, it turned out great and will make a wonderful addition to our Japan trip memorabilia. I was so proud of myself to have it wrapped up for Christmas by late September. Monica would have to wait three months to see it again… and so would I. 🤩
Thanks for reading the story of our Japanese Bed Runner.
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